Gunpla Grades

Gundam model kits come in different sizes and complexities. Gundampixel has written a nice guide to gunpla.

High Grade

My experience started and has predominantly been with the most common grade of Gunpla, the High Grade (HG). Since they are generally cheaper, I feel more free to experiment with them.

There is naturally a lot of variety in design and engineering with this line. I've found the Witch from Mercury kits in particular to be fantastic.

I've been frustrated by the lack of part separation on some kits when it complicates color accuracy.

Master Grade

I've built one Master Grade (MG). I marveled at the creative engineering details on the inner frame. The larger armor parts made working with them and painting much easier.

I have one of the two Master Grade Extreme (MGEX) kits in my backlog. It is supposed to be quite the experience.

Real Grade

I like the balance that the Real Grades (RG) strike between the size of the High Grades and the inner frame, detail, and part separation of the Master Grades. The designs are some of the best. Unfortunately, there are not many of them.

There is a stigma that surrounds the earlier Real Grade kits. I so far disagree and have found that nearly every build will present some sort of challenge.

Super Deformed

The chibi Super Deformed (SD) kits are generally small and inexpensive. Stickers to help with color accuracy is common. There are several different lines.

• Ex-Standard - The front facing details are nice and cute, while the amount of masking and the hollow backs can be very frustrating.
• BB Senshi - These are older designs and extra stubby, but require fewer stickers.
• Cross Silhouette - This more recent line can be built in two different sizes with the help of a basic inner frame.

Master Grade SD

The MGSD kits are relatively new. They combine the exaggerated proportions of the SD kits with the detail and engineering of modern Master Grade kits. I've built one MGSD so far and it was a ton of fun.

Entry Grade

I've built a couple Entry Grade kits with the family. Overall, they have been nice. The color separation is typically better than high grades. The joint design is simpler, especially in the ankles.

Perfect Grade

I have yet to add a pinnacle of Gunpla into my backlog, let alone build one. The size, cost, and time needed are a bit intimidating.